Rare optional Recaro sport seats
1967 Porsche 912

• Desirable EU-delivery example built late in 1967
• Professional restoration and engine rebuild
• Matching numbers engine
• Matching colours example
• All-original body panels
• Porsche Kardex on file

With Porsche's historic move to flat-six power at the 1964 launch of the 901 (soon to be renamed 911) came a significant price increase over the outgoing 356. The brand lacked an attainable entry point and the 912 was its solution, arriving in April 1965 in Coupé and Targa variants. A torquier version of the 356 SC's Type 616/36 1.6-litre flat-four sitting in place of the 911's 2.0-litre six was the only significant change, and the 912 was priced approximately 30 percent under the 911 in most markets. Customers voted with their wallets, and in the first few years of production, the 912 outsold the 911 two-to-one. It was replaced in 1969 by the mid-engined 914. Long regarded as the forgotten brother of the six-cylinder cars, period road testers and many important collectors today note the 912 to be the sweeter car. Its lighter engine sitting behind the rear axle improves weight distribution, with the smaller moment of inertia making it arguably more rewarding when driven hard.

Coming to the market from 10-year ownership, this late 1967-build 912 was delivered new in Bremen, Germany and moved later to the US where remained in the warm climate of California until circa 2010, resulting in a very good and sound body, chassis and interior as a basis for the extensive restoration it underwent later. The car comes with its US-title dated 1980s form the state of California. Since its return to Europe this lovely 912 has been the recipient of a fastidious restoration by its current owner during a two-year period 10 years ago, invoices for parts used during the restoration are on file. Noteworthy is the condition the car prior to its restoration, we're advised by the vendor, who has kept all invoices of the parts used during this restoration. The car showed no evidence of any welding and especially the fact that all body panels are still wearing their original number confirms the car was highly original, sound and nicely preserved. In a striking silver over black specification with a five-speed manual transmission, rare original options include a pair of factory-fitted Recaro sports seats, a five-gauge instrument cluster, tinted windows and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. The engine was rebuilt by a specialist at the same time, since when only some 100 kilometres have been travelled, as also shown on the odometer that was zero'ed during the restoration. Invoices for the rebuild are included in the sale and the vendor notes that all mechanical parts including dampers, brakes, and bushings are new. Of note is the period radio that is still fitted in the car. After some careful shakedown kilometres, the 912 is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner this summer. The car comes with its old US-Title, proof of EU-taxes paid, current Belgian 'demande d'immatriculation' permitting the car to get road-registered and a Porsche Kardex.